Sup

These photos, taken just recently at Germany's famous N・burgring racetrack, have caught a prototype Lexus LS sedan as it undergoes high-speed testing. At first glance the car appears to be a current production model, but looking closer one can note a modification to the hood on either side of the grille. Also note the large wheels, low-profile tires, and fender bulges front and rear to cover the extra-large tires.

All this indicates a future LS sedan with more performance than the current model. A look at the rear, however, shows rather small dual exhaust pipes and not two or even four giant pipes as would be likely in a turbo model or a real high-performance car. So what is this prototype? An educated guess would be a hybrid powerplant coupling a standard-size LS V-8 engine with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive electric motors to give the LS improved performance while also improving fuel economy.



http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...178.A8787.html

GFerg

Oh man, Lexus is about to do some damage.

I'm really lovin those new wheels though. Very sporty looking.

LexFather

Its coming....

Gojirra99

I certainly hope the next LS will not look anything close to the current one. I guess they are doing the same as Infiniti did with the testing of their GT-R prototype, using the current LS's body as Infiniti is using the current Skyline(G35c) body to do the testing.

encore888

Goes back all the way to the original LS 400 when they sent out the car with an older body type (another Toyota car) to hide the appearance, but still test the engine.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

I'm really liking that LS, especially the wheels. And that car needs the fender bulges, unlike some other competitor that will remain nameless

XeroK00L

Looks more like a facelift than a redesign.

I hope the new LS will look more revolutionary than that and give the L-finesse theme its flagship interpretation.

TCC does mention that the fact that the test mule had tiny exhaust pipes could mean that the test mule had a low-emission drivetrain, i.e. a hybrid, making this spyshot somewhat more exciting.

At any rate, thanks for the find, Sup.

EGainer

guys, this isnt the final version, this is a test mule... dont expect the new LS to look like this... notice, they panels are all covered in black tape, the fenders are just slapped on there, and the wheels are just standard wheels

will be nice to have a high hp/torque v8 hybrid motor

robloc93

Finally something!!! Thanx!!!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

wow this is nice!!!! i immediately noticed the difference besides the grille and also the fender flares. i guess this is probably one of teh very first prototype, coz' i think it's still mostly based on the current LS. maybe later they will build a new body for it

Erick G

im sure the body is getting tested via windtunnel and the motor via older model with a few changes.

Richie

Looks like an engine/suspension test mule from Toyota Europe.

jet864

YES! And the 4.6 goes to work. I wonder if there's some hybrid power on this LS that they're playing around with. The new LS has to be L-Finesse so I'm guessing the fender flares are there to accomodate the new wheels (maybe the new LS stock wheels?) and perhaps larger/wider brakes. I've been waiting for something substantial to come out about the new LS and this is the first real stuff I've seen. Now, we wait.

James

Celicamaro

Those fender flares are last minute add ons after Lexus designers saw the new S-class. This time instead of waiting for the final to schock people, they are getting people excited earlier.

jet864

Even if they are added on, at least they look more like they belong than those on the S class

It doesn't really matter though because the final LS won't look like that-like it does now.

James